Street party to kick off National Science Week in Hobart

The first-ever Science Street Party in Tasmania will be held on Saturday (3 August 2019), as part of the State-wide National Science Week. Party-goers are invited to watch live street art, meet the scientists who inspired the art and enjoy live performances, including music and dance.

Images from local scientists have been incorporated into the final art piece which strives to showcase iconic Tasmanian science and scientists. The work is designed and will be installed by award-winning local artist Rory Dick.

Early-career scientists will be showcasing their work on the night, including the history of marsupials, the uniqueness of Tassie devils, the natural history and scientific discoveries of Tasmania and more.

There will be live science-themed performances that include cinematic visuals, interpretative dance by Drill’s Neon, and local science band Atomic Deluxe will be rocking the crowd.

A likeness of Tasmanian National Science Week Patron Professor Emerita Elizabeth Blackburn features in the street art, which also appears on the cover of the Science Week program.

Event organiser and PhD candidate at the University of Tasmania Niamh Chapman is excited for the first-ever Science Street Party in Hobart.

“When I had this idea, it was a much smaller concept. We were lucky to get the grant from the Tasmanian National Science Week Coordinating Committee, which led to a partnership with the University,” Ms Chapman said.

“Seemingly overnight, we had this carnival of science planned for the public. Our goal is to demystify science, to let the audience know that science is everywhere and for everyone.

“If we can do that with street art, music, and dance, all the better!”

Entry is free to the Science Street Party, and all are welcome. It is suitable for families, and food and drink will be available for purchase.

Science Street Party runs from 4 pm-8 pm on Saturday 3 August, at Good Grief Studios, 62 Argyle Street, Hobart, Tasmania 7000.

Science Street Party is a collaboration between the University of Tasmania and a coordinating committee led by Niamh Chapman.

It is supported by National Science Week and the Australian Government.

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